"Cuba, like Jamaica, has been a strong supporter of the integration of the region through the established mechanism of the Cuba-Caribbean Community Summit. Time after time, Cuba has asserted herself as a champion of solidarity and South-South co-operation, "Dr. Baugh stated. He was addressing a recent reception at the Kingston residence of the new Cuban Ambassador, Yuri Gala Lopez, to mark National Day of Cuba and the 51st anniversary of the Cuban revolution. The Foreign Affairs Minister also re-affirmed Jamaica's commitment to the strengthening of relations between both countries, which spans some 37 years, and the development of future endeavours. He welcomed the planned opening of a specialist ophthalmology centre in Kingston later this month, which will be operated by eye care professionals from Cuba. He said the facility offers "untold hope" to many Jamaicans with eye problems. "The Government looks forward to the opening of the centre this month as it will provide invaluable assistance, not only to Jamaicans, but to other Caribbean nationals, who will come here to benefit from the treatment," Dr. Baugh stated. The Cuban Government will equip the centre and provide specialist eye care staff for three years, while Jamaica would provide the Cubans with accommodation, travel and meals. The Cuban team will also be training teams of Jamaicans to operate the centres at a later date, as part of their mandate. Since the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Project began four years ago, some 20,000 Jamaicans have been screened, while more than 4,000 surgeries have been performed. These patients receive treatment for four major conditions including Cataract, Pterygium, Strabismus (crossed eyes) and Ptosis also known as drooping of the upper eyelid. (Cubaminrex - RHC) |